Israel Expands Military Operation: 140000 Evacuated Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict

Late Tuesday, around 30 masked men, allegedly from Jewish communities in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, attacked the Palestinian village of Duma, setting homes and vehicles on fire. Israeli security forces arrived, causing the attackers to flee, but violent clashes erupted between Israelis and Palestinians. Several Palestinians were injured, and while investigations are ongoing, no arrests have been made yet. The Israeli military condemned the attack and vowed to restore order.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced a major expansion of military operations in Gaza, planning to seize large areas and turn them into “security zones.” The move will force widespread Palestinian evacuations. Overnight airstrikes have already killed at least 15 Palestinians, with reports of children among the victims. The military has also ordered 140,000 people in Rafah to evacuate and issued new evacuation notices for northern Gaza.

Signs of a large-scale Israeli ground offensive are growing, especially near the Egyptian border. Israel has already expanded buffer zones along Gaza’s borders and taken control of a key corridor cutting through the territory. The military campaign resumed on March 18 after Hamas reportedly rejected a ceasefire deal that included the release of Israeli hostages, though Hamas claims Israel violated a prior agreement.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening as Israel has blocked aid from entering the territory since March 2, marking the longest such blockade since the war began. The United Nations has reduced its operations following Israeli strikes that killed Palestinian medics, first responders, and a UN staff member. With tensions at an all-time high, calls are growing for a resolution to the conflict.

Israel Expands Military Operation: 140000 Evacuated Amid Escalating Gaza Conflict

Late Tuesday night, a group of approximately 30 masked individuals, believed to be from Jewish communities in the Mateh Binyamin Regional Council, stormed the Palestinian village of Duma. They set fire to homes and vehicles, injuring residents and causing widespread chaos. Israeli security forces, including the military, police, and border units, arrived at the scene, prompting the attackers to flee. Authorities confirmed that Israeli citizens were responsible for damaging property, which led to violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. While investigations into the injuries are ongoing, no arrests have been made. The military condemned the attack, reaffirming its commitment to regional stability.

Meanwhile, Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced plans to expand military operations in Gaza by establishing “security zones” across large areas of the territory. This strategy will require the mass evacuation of Palestinian civilians. Recent airstrikes have already killed at least 15 people, including children, according to local hospitals. In Khan Younis, rescue teams recovered 12 bodies from the rubble of a destroyed home, as reported by Hamas-led civil defense groups.

Tensions continue to rise as Israel signals a potential ground invasion near Gaza’s border with Egypt. Over the past week, evacuation orders have been issued for approximately 140,000 people in Rafah and parts of northern Gaza. The military has already taken control of a strategic corridor dividing the territory and expanded buffer zones along Gaza’s borders. This renewed campaign followed Hamas’ rejection of a ceasefire proposal that included the release of Israeli hostages, though Hamas claims Israel violated prior agreements.

Families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas expressed alarm over the expanded military plans, urging the government to prioritize negotiations for their loved ones’ release. Katz called on Palestinians to oppose Hamas and assist in freeing hostages but provided no clear guidance on how they should do so.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

Gaza is facing severe shortages as Israel’s blockade on aid enters its fourth week—the longest halt in humanitarian assistance since the war began. The United Nations has scaled back operations after Israeli airstrikes killed medical workers, first responders, and a UN employee. Hospitals are running out of supplies, and civilians are reporting worsening hunger and displacement.

Roots of the Conflict

The war erupted after Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting 251 others. Israel’s subsequent military response has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The escalating violence has drawn international concern, with growing calls for de-escalation and increased humanitarian access.

Current Priorities

As military operations intensify, attention is divided between Israel’s security objectives and the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. With hostage families pleading for urgent action and civilians trapped in the crossfire, the path to resolution remains uncertain. The international community continues to monitor the situation, urging restraint and diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of life.